The industrial action by Namibian Broadcasting Cooperation (NBC) employees that lasted for about four weeks was called off on Wednesday.

A statement issued by NBC’s Director General, Stanley Similo announced the end of the strike, saying the development came after a great number of striking staff decided to abandon the strike and after NBC’s board chairperson, Lazarus Jacobs and Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) Secretary General, Petrus Nevonga, met on Tuesday and agreed on terms, leading to the strike being called off as well as the cancellation of the court case lodged by NAPWU against the corporation.

NBC workers were demanding an eight per cent salary increment, permanent employment of all 133 contract employees, as well as a conducive working environment.

According to Similo, as part of the conditions of the agreement, the board is dealing with the matter of the contract employees, who are currently employed on a one-year contract.

“The NBC will now review and seek to have long-term employment secured for them,” said Similo.

In an interview with Nampa on Wednesday, representative of the NBC Work Place Union, Daniel Nadunya, said though not all demands made by the workers were met, the effect of the strike and the opportunity cost were calculated and the union felt it was prudent for the strike to be called off.

He further said that although the contract employees will now be employed on a permanent basis, this will be done without any additional benefits such as medical aid, housing and transport allowance or pension.

“The demand of the eight per cent salary increment was unfortunately not met and it is really unfortunate because as employees we all hoped that it would be met at least halfway,” he added.

Source: Namibia Press Agency